Frank Tremar Sibly Menendez facts for kids

Frank Tremar Sibly Menendez was a brave British soldier and pilot during World War I. He was born on January 26, 1896, and passed away on February 27, 1973. He became known as a "flying ace" because he shot down six enemy airplanes. He also received a special award for his courage and skill.

Frank Menendez's Early Life

Frank Menendez was born in Nassau, Bahamas. He was the only son of F. M. Menendez and Maud Sibly.

His uncle, G. W. Sibly, started a school called Wycliffe College in England. Frank went to this school from 1909 to 1912. After that, he went to St John's College, Cambridge, to study law.

Joining the Army

In 1914, when World War I began, Frank stopped his studies. He decided to join the British Army. He became a second lieutenant in March 1915. He first served in the York and Lancaster Regiment. Later, he moved to the Gloucestershire Regiment in September 1915.

Frank was sent to France in January 1916. He was promoted to lieutenant in April. He even led a group of soldiers as an acting-captain during the Battle of the Somme. He also showed great bravery by leading surprise attacks on enemy trenches.

Becoming a Pilot

In August 1917, Frank joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force. He started as an observer, helping pilots spot enemies and targets. He flew in a two-seater bomber plane called the Airco D.H.4.

Frank flew with an Australian pilot named Arthur Thomas Drinkwater. Together, they achieved their first victory on August 18, 1917. They forced an enemy Albatros D.V plane to go down out of control. Two days later, they did it again. On September 21, he helped destroy one more enemy plane and forced another down. He had two more victories on November 12. This made him a "flying ace" with six victories.

What is a Flying Ace?

In World War I, a "flying ace" was a pilot who had shot down five or more enemy aircraft. It was a special title for very skilled and brave pilots.

An Accident and Leaving Service

Frank later returned to England to train as a pilot himself. However, on August 1, 1918, he was in a mid-air collision over Ipswich. He survived the crash but was badly hurt. He lost one eye and needed surgery to fix his face.

Because of his injuries, he had to leave the Royal Air Force in June 1919. He was allowed to keep his rank as a lieutenant.

Earning a Special Award

On October 27, 1917, Frank Menendez was given the Military Cross. This is a very important award for bravery in battle. The award was officially announced in March 1918.

The official statement said he was awarded for his "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." This means he showed great courage and dedication. He flew missions to take photos and drop bombs far behind enemy lines. Once, he was attacked by five enemy planes. He managed to force three of them down, and the others flew away. On two other occasions, he also forced enemy planes down out of control.

What is the Military Cross?

The Military Cross is an award given to officers of the British Armed Forces. It recognizes acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy. It's a very respected award for bravery.

Life After the War

After recovering from his injuries, Frank spent some time in the Bahamas. He then got married and had two children.

In August 1927, he started working for the British government. He worked in the Department of Overseas Trade. During World War II, he joined the Home Guard. This was a defense organization for citizens who were too old or unfit for regular military service. He also worked for the Ministry of Economic Warfare.

His Final Years

Frank Menendez passed away in a nursing home in Eastbourne, England, on February 27, 1973.